A proforma invoice is a preliminary bill of sale sent before goods are delivered or services completed. It's commonly used for international trade, customs clearance, securing advance payment, or confirming terms with new clients.
Not typically, unless attached to a contract. It's essentially a quote that looks like an invoice. Once the buyer agrees and work begins, it's usually replaced with a commercial invoice for actual payment.
Include all details of a regular invoice plus: "Proforma Invoice" label, shipping terms (FOB, CIF, etc.), estimated shipping date, validity period, terms of payment, and harmonized system (HS) codes for international shipments.
Include: statement date and period, customer information, opening balance, list of invoices with dates and amounts, payments received, credits or adjustments, current balance due, and payment due date.
Absolutely. Regular billing statements serve as gentle reminders of outstanding balances, help customers track their account status, and can reduce late payments by keeping your business top-of-mind.